GENERAL ORDERS

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• At the 78^th Annual State Convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Department of Virginia, held in Richmond, Virginia, June 22-25, 2000, I Early Ray Chappell, being duly elected and installed as State Commander in Accordance with Article V, Section 517 of the National By-Laws, do hereby assume Commander.

• All previous appointments are hereby declared vacant as of June 25, 2000, except those set forth in the By-Laws.

• COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN:

• COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

• VAMC HOSPITAL REPRESENTATIVES:

• LADIES AUXILIARY:

• GENERAL ORDER CUT OFF DATES:

Membership Transmittals must be received at State Headquarters no later than July 27, 2000 to be counted for the month of July. PLEASE NOTE: ANY information to be published in the General Orders must be in by the 25^th of each month. Changes of address or phone numbers within the Department must be in writing.

• IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The Department of Virginia, VFW now has a Homepage. Your General Orders can be found on the Homepage at http: //www.vfw-virginia.com. It is now possible for individual Posts, with their own Website, to become linked to our Homepage. Posts already with Website's can incorporate a Department of Virginia, VFW link on their Website. Please contact Robert Klausing at State Headquarters:

1-800-888-3521. Also, the State Headquarters E-Mail address is KLAUSING@AOL.COM.

The Adjutant/Quartermaster has a pager and the number is 1-800-680-7682. The State Headquarters also has voice mail, where you can call and leave messages after business hours. The State Headquarters also has a mail box located right outside the front door, where you can drop things off before and after business hours.

• DISTRICT MEETINGS:

FIRST - 09-24-00, EXMORE POST 4856, Lunch 11:00 a.m., Meeting 12:00 Noon, Representative Luther E. Anderson, Past Department Commander

SECOND - 08-12-00, VIRGINIA BEACH POST 392, Lunch 11:00 a.m., Meeting 12:00 Noon, Representative Ray Chappell, State Commander

THIRD - 09-09-00, MECHANICSVILLE POST 9808, Meeting 2:00 p.m., Representative Peter M. Snelling, State Judge Advocate

FOURTH - 08-13-00, Representative Ray Chappell, State Commander

FIFTH - 08-20-00, MEADOWS OF DAN POST 8467 Lunch 12:00 Noon, Meeting to follow, Representative Michael Hoiness, State Surgeon

SIXTH - 08-13-00, HOSTED BY LYNCHBURG POST 8184/AMHERST 9877, LYNCHBURG NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY (located on Leesville Road directly off of Route 460 going toward Lynchburg approximately 1 ½ miles on right), Meeting 2:00 p.m., Representative Lawrence F. Mattera, State Junior Vice Commander

SEVENTH - PLANNING MEETING, 07-30-00, EDINBURG POST 2447, Meeting 2:00 p.m. (Auxiliary will meet then)

09-10-00, BERRYVILLE POST 9760, Meeting 2:00 p.m., State Representative James E. Tucker, Senior Vice Commander

EIGHTH - 09-10-00, CULPEPER POST 2524, Meeting 1:00 p.m., Lunch to follow, Representative Lawrence F. Mattera, State Junior Vice Commander

NINTH - 09-10-00, BLUEFIELD POST 9696, Registration 11:00 a.m., Lunch 12:00 Noon, Meeting to follow, Representative Michael Hoiness, State Surgeon

TENTH -

ELEVENTH - 09-10-00, BRIDGEWATER POST 8644, Meeting 11:30 a.m., Representative Henry E. Cluney, State Inspector

TWELFTH -

THIRTEENTH - 09-24-00, LOUISA POST 8947, Meeting 1:00 p.m., Representative Ray Chappell, State Commander

1O. COMMANDER'S MESSAGE:

First, I would like to thank the members of the Department of Virginia for the confidence and support in electing me as your Department Commander for the year 2000-2001.

I'm looking forward to working with everyone as we move into our new year. We can be proud of what we accomplished last year. We have put Virginia back in the green, that was easy, now we need to work twice as hard to keep it there.

Our first event of the new year will be the School of Instruction at the Holiday Inn Select in Lynchburg, Virginia, 13-16 July 2000. Looking forward to a large turn out this year.

All Committee appointments are being mailed out, please review these. If you are not able to serve on this, please notify me so I may be able to appoint someone else.

Remember, if you need any help, I'm only a phone call away.

Ray Chappell
State Commander

11. WORKING SESSION:

There will be a working session of all the Council Members five (5) times this year. These Sessions are open to anyone who would like to attend.

These working sessions are set up so we may address the problems that occur in the State.

Posts who need help and are unable to attend, submit your request in writing to your District Commander with copies to the State Commander and State Headquarters.

First Session School of Instruction July 14, 2000 Lynchburg, Virginia Friday 7:00 p.m.

Second Session Fall Council Meeting September 15, 2000 Lynchburg, Virginia Friday 1:00 p.m.

Third Session State Headquarters December 2, 2000 Staunton, Virginia Saturday 10:00 a.m.

Fourth Session Winter Council Meeting January 19, 2001 Williamsburg, Virginia Friday 7:00 p.m.

Fifth Session State Headquarters March 11, 2001 Staunton, Virginia Saturday 10:00 a.m.

E. Ray Chappell
State Commander

12. QUARTERLY AUDIT REPORTS:

Attention is directed to Section 218, Manual of Procedure Duty of Trustees, Form P-113. Trustees Report of Audit, must be prepared in detail at the close of each quarter, one of which ended June 30^th which is NOW DUE at State Headquarters.

13. BUDGET & FINANCE:

The following information from the Department of Virginia, Standing Operating Procedure (SOP), Section IV - paragraph 7 is quoted for your information and compliance.

"COMMITTEE EXPENSES: When a standing committee has been appointed, its chairman within a period of thirty (30) days after his appointment, will prepare and forward to the Chairman of the Budget & Finance Committee, a budget showing the anticipated expenses of his committee for the ensuing year. If his committee is promotional in nature, he will also prepare a tentative schedule of the committee's activities and forward same with a copy of the budget attached to the Department Commander."

It is imperative that each Committee Chairman submit these anticipated expenses of committee. Some examples would be telephone, fax, travel, awards, copying, photo and advertisement.

Submit your anticipated budget for your committee to Paul T. Moore, Budget & Finance Chairman, Route 3 Box 2006, New Castle, VA 24127, with information copy to the Department Quartermaster.

Paul T. Moore
Budget & Finance Chairman

14. SERVICE OFFICER FEES:

SERVICE OFFICER FEES ARE NOW DUE AT STATE HEADQUARTERS. This fee is for two years: 1999-2001. The fee is $8.00 and we will send the Service Officer Guide Book to the Service Officer unless there is not one listed, then we will send it to the Post Commander. The following is a list, by District, of Posts which have NOT yet paid for Service Officer's Guide Books: District 12 - 5715, District.

15. MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN:

Enclosed in this General Orders is the 2000-2001 Membership Campaign. Also, enclosed is the Individual Recruiting Awards Form for new/reinstated members. All individual recruiting awards must be certified to State Headquarters by the Post Quartermasters no later than May 31, 2001. The names of the individuals recruited, Post Number and the name of the recruiter must be received before any award is given.

16. IMPORTANT 2000-2003 DATES:

July 2000 Program materials mailed to Post Commanders and Ladies Auxiliary Presidents based on election and installation reports received at National Headquarters.

Recruit "Welcome to Our Community" for military families teams at least five Posts/Districts in your state.

August 19-25, 2000 National VFW Convention, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

September 7-9, 2000 Commander-in-Chief's Homecoming, Jekyll Island, Georgia.

October 28, 2000 Statue of Liberty Birthday Celebration, Liberty Island, New York.

Saturday, October 28, 2000 "Make A Difference Day," national day of community service sponsored by USA Weekend and Points of Light Foundation.

November 2000 Promote a "Get Out the Vote" Rally the first weekend in November.

November 16-19, 2000 Southern States Conference, Charleston, West Virginia.

Saturday, November 18, 2000 National Family Volunteer Day.

December 1, 2000 First six months (May-Oct.) Department Community Service Work (hours and dollars) Report due to National.

February 24-March 1, 2001 VFW National Legislative Conference, Washington, DC, Hyatt Regency Crystal City.

March 14-18, 2001 Ladies Auxiliary Mid-Year Conference, Orlando, Florida.

April 2001 Participate in March of Dimes WalkAmerica.

April 5-8, 2001 National VFW and Ladies Auxiliary Community Service Conference Washington, D. C. Hyatt Regency Crystal City.

April 22- 28, 2001 National Volunteer Week.

May 1, 2001 VFW Loyalty Day.

Department selection due at National for the new VFW Volunteer of the Year.

June 1, 2001 Department 12 month Community Service Work Report (hours and dollars) and Department selection of their Outstanding Community Service Post(s) due to National.

August 18-24, 2001 National VFW Convention, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

November 15-18, 2001 Southern States Conference, Savannah, Georgia.

February 23-March 1, 2002 VFW National Legislative Conference, Washington, DC, Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill.

April 4-7, 2002 National VFW and Ladies Auxiliary Community Service Conference, Washington, DC, Hyatt Regency Crystal City.

August 23-30, 2002 National VFW Convention, Nashville, Tennessee.

August 23-29, 2003 National VFW Convention, San Antonio, Texas.

17. KOREAN WAR COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS FOR 2000:

Following are events planned for the first year of the three-year commemoration of the 50^th Anniversary of the Korean War. For more information or to find out how to get involved, visit the homepage at or write to: DOD, 50 Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration Committee; 1213 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 702; Arlington, VA 22202-4303, or call (703) 604-0831.

Task Force Smith Suwon, South Korea July 5

Task Force Smith Arlington National Cemetery July 7

Korean War Veterans Memorial Ceremony Korean War Memorial July 27

40^th ID Korean War Memorial Dedication Vanderberg AFB, CA Sept 1

Breakout of Pusan Perimeter Taegu, South Korea Sept 13

Inchon Landing Norfolk, VA/Inchon, South Korea Sept 15-17

Defense of/Breakout of Pusan Perimeter Washington, D. C./Pusan, South Korea Sept 15-17

Nations Parade New York City Nov 11

Changjin (Chosin) Reservoir Washington, D. C./Demilitarized Zone, Korea Nov 27

Evacuation of Hungnam Navy Memorial, Washington, D. C./Pusan, South Korea Dec 12

18. HALF-STAFF U. S. FLAG:

The U. S. Flag should be half-staffed from sunrise to sunset on National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27. Public Law 104-19 requests the half-staffing of the U. S. Flag and also encourages the observance of this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

19. VIDEO CONFERENCE:

The Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct a four (4) hour satellite training program to originate from Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, July 29, 2000 with the following room rental/broadcast times in all time zones. The Room Reservation time will be 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and the Satellite Time will be 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. The training will consist of with times approximate: Commander-in-Chief-15 minutes; Membership-35 minutes; VFW Programs-40 minutes; Duties and Responsibilities of Post and District Commanders-30 minutes; Parliamentary Procedure-45 minutes; Question and answer session-45 minutes and breaks-30 minutes. There will be an 800 number for each site for call-in interaction with the presenters.

The training program will be held at Virginia Tech Donaldson Brown Hotel & Conference Center, 201 Otey Street (60 miles south of Roanoke), Blacksburg, Virginia.

20. NATIONAL CONVENTION:

In March's General Orders is the information on the housing at the 101^st National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin along with the reservation form. Please do not send the reservation form to State Headquarters, mail it to VFW Housing Bureau, 510 W. Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203.

National Convention Registration-Section 222 -Constitution and By-Laws require each Post to register, in advance, at least one delegate to the National Convention by the payment of a fee in the amount of $10.00. Posts failing to comply with the provision shall be considered delinquent and in arrears (Section 213). All advance registration fees should be mailed to the Quartermaster General, VFW Building, 406 West 34^th Street, Suite 316, Kansas City, MO 64111.

The Distinguished Guest Banquet will be held Monday evening, 7:00 p.m., August 21, 2000, at the Midwest Express Convention Center. A form is on the last page of the General Orders if you would like to attend.

21. NATIONAL CONVENTION PROGRAM EVENTS:

101^ST VFW National Convention, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, August 19-25, 2000. Dates for major events are scheduled tentatively as follows (updated 6-22-2000):

Saturday, August 19
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. VFW/Registration/Exhibits - Hall D
7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. VA Health Fair - Hall C
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. National Council of Administration Meeting - Ballroom AB

Sunday, August 20
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. VFW Registration/Exhibits - Hall D
7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. VA Health Fair - Hall C
8:30 a.m. Annual Memorial Service, Midwest Express Convention Center - Hall AB
10:30 a.m. Eastern Conference Caucus - Ballroom B
Southern Conference Caucus - Ballroom A
Big Ten Conference - Ballroom C
Western Conference Caucus - Ballroom D
1:00 p.m. Committee Meetings

Monday, August 21
7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. VA Health Fair - Hall C
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. VFW Registration/Exhibits - Hall D
8:30 a.m. Joint Opening Session - Midwest Express Convention Center - Hall AB
1:00 p.m. VFW Business Session
6:00 p.m. General Reception - Room 103
7:00 p.m. National Convention Banquet - Hall AB

Tuesday, August 22
7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. VA Health Fair - Hall C
8:00 a.m. Field Competition Arena
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. VFW Registration/Exhibits - Hall D
9:00 a.m. VFW Business Session - Hall AB - Midwest Express Convention Center
1:00 p.m. VFW Workshops - Midwest Express Convention Center
Membership/Direct Dues - Room 101
Public Relations - Room 201A
Membership Meeting - Room 102
Foundation/Estate Planning - Room 202B
VA Volunteer/Hospital Workshop - Room 203ABC
National VFW Scouters - Ballroom A
5:30 p.m. Patriotic Rally - Milwaukee Arena

Wednesday, August 23
7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. VA Health Fair - Hall C
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. VFW Registration/Exhibits - Hall D
9:00 a.m. Business Session - Hall AB - Midwest Express Convention Center
1:00 p.m. VFW Workshops - Midwest Express Convention Center
Citizenship Education & Community Service - Ballroom A
Youth Development, Scholarship Recognition - Ballroom B
Action Corps/Legislative - Room 103AB
Employment/Homeless Vets - Room 103DE
National Home for Children - Room 202A
Member Benefits - Room 102DE
Alzheimer's Room - Room 201A
Women's Veterans Forum - Room 203ABC
PAC - Room 203DE

Thursday, August 24
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon VA Health Fair - Hall C
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon VFW Registration/Exhibits - Hall D
8:30 a.m. Business Session - Nomination of Officers -Hall AB

Friday, August 25

9:00 a.m. Business Session - Election and Installation of National Officers - Midwest Express Convention Center - Hall AB

National Council of Administration Meeting (immediately following business session) - Hall AB

4:00 p.m. Commander-in-Chief & National President's Reception - Ballroom ABC

22. LIFE MEMBERSHIP CARDS:

The following policy applies regarding the issuance of VFW Life Membership identification cards by National Headquarters:

A. New Life Members-All new Life Members will receive a standard Life Membership card.

B. Life Member Post Transfers-All Life Members transferring to a new Post will receive a standard replacement Life Member card reflecting the new Post at no charge to the member. Proper transfer forms must be submitted and procedures followed.

C. Upon a signed request by a Post Quartermaster on VFW Form MCR or other authorized form, any lost, stolen, damaged or otherwise unusable Life Membership ID card will be replaced at no cost to the member with a standard Life Membership ID car.

Custom Life Membership ID cards, such as the 100^th Anniversary Life Membership card (as long as they are available) may be purchased through the VFW Emblem & Supply Department.

23. SUPPORT TO THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA:

The Veterans of Foreign Wars continues to recognize the Scouting Program as a premier Youth Development Program and intends to increase its commitment to the Boy Scouts of America as a part of our Community Service Programs. This commitment recognition of an Eagle Scout as the VFW National Eagle Scout of the year and taking action to develop closer relations between VFW Posts and the Scouting Program. The Department of Virginia intends to be a leader in this program.

The Department Commander has appointed me as Department Representative to develop and implement a program for the Department of Virginia. I will also serve as the Department Representative on the National Team of VFW Scouters. My first task is to develop a state team of scouters who will assist in organizing our effort to select an Eagle Scout of the year of 2001. They will also be responsible to assist Districts and Posts increasing local support for the Scouting Program by sponsorship of scouting units and providing other support to local Boy Scout Councils.

I am seeking a volunteer from each District who will help in this effort and serve on the state team of VFW Scouters. Comrade Ron Knowles of VFW Post 7589 in Manassas has volunteered to serve as my deputy in this effort.

I can be contacted at 15617 Neath Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22193, 703-670-9084 and E-Mail Ranger61@MSN.COM.

Stan Hunter
National Team of VFW Scouters

24. 2000-2001 TEACHERS PROGRAM:

Nominations can be submitted by fellow teachers, supervisors or other interested individuals. Self-nominees are not eligible.

Based on the nominees submitted by November 1^st, local VFW Posts will recognize one outstanding teacher in grades, K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Posts then submit these winners' names to their District level judging who will forward their winners to the Department (or state level) by December 15. After judging, each Department then forwards the names of its winners to VFW National Headquarters for consideration in the national award contest.

VFW's National Citizenship Education Teacher Awards include: a National $1,000 cash award for each of the top K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 teachers for professional development expenses; $1,000 award to each winning teacher's school; plaques for both the winning teacher and school; and an all-expense-paid trip to attend VFW and Ladies Auxiliary National Community Service Conference in Washington, DC. Teachers who win first-place in each category will be invited to conduct a workshop at the conference, April 5-8, 2001.

A program brochure (designed to be duplicated for distribution) was mailed to all schools and this year's Post Commanders and Auxiliary Presidents in May. Additional information on how to conduct the program will be included in the Citizenship Education Program Chairman's booklet, mailed in July to 2000-2001 Post Commanders and Auxiliary Presidents.

25. SCHOOL OF INSTRUCTION:

2000 July 13-16 Holiday Inn Select, 601 Main Street, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504 - Rates are $60.00, phone 804-528-2500

2001 July 12-15 Holiday Inn Select, 601 Main Street, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504 - Rates are $62.00, phone 804-528-2500

26. FALL COUNCIL MEETINGS:

2001 September 19-22 Holiday Inn Select, 601 Main Street, Lynchburg, Virginia 24504

27. WINTER COUNCIL MEETINGS:

2001 January 19-21 George Washington Inn Ramada, 500 Merrimac Trail, Williamsburg Virginia 23185 - Rates are $45.00, Phone: 1-800-666-8888

28. STATE CONVENTIONS:

2001 June 20-25 Hyatt Richmond, 6624 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230; Single/Double $81, Triple/Quadruple $94 plus tax; Phone: 1-804-285-1234; Fax 1-804-288-3961

2002 June 5-10 Hyatt Richmond, 6624 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230 Single/Double $81, Triple/Quadruple $96 plus tax: Phone: 1-804-285-1234; Fax: 1-804-288-3961

29. VOICE OF DEMOCRACY AND YOUTH ESSAY:

2000-2001 VOICE OF DEMOCRACY THEME: WHAT PRICE FREEDOM?

2000-2001 VOICE OF DEMOCRACY DEADLINES:
Student Entry Deadline - November 1, 2000;
District Deadline - December 15, 2000;
Department Deadline - January 15, 2001;
National Deadline - February 1, 2001

2000-2001 YOUTH ESSAY THEME: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE PATRIOTIC?

2000-2001 YOUTH ESSAY DEADLINES:
Student Entry Deadline - December 1, 2000;
District Deadline - February 1, 2001;
Department Deadline - February 15, 2001;
National Deadline - February 20, 2001

30. DECEASED COMRADES:

Enclosed please find the Deceased Comrades Report Form to be filled out by each Post and turned into State Headquarters.

31. LEGISLATIVE:

Our 2000 State Convention has come and gone. Now we must direct our effort to meet the Legislative Goals and unmet needs of the 750,000 veterans of Virginia, their dependents and survivors. As the National Election Campaign roars into high gear we are bombarded with appeals for money, effort and votes; my strong suggestion to this is to respond by saying "This year I intend to withhold my support until I know the position of all the candidates."

In the meantime we can set our own individual houses in order by: collecting all medical and military records and putting them in one place; list all assets such as property, insurances, retirement plans, stocks, bonds, vehicles, etc.; make a list of all outstanding loans, mortgages, credit card balances. Go over with your family your final burial wishes: what cemetery, open or closed casket or cremation. Make sure that your are eligible and your spouse can be buried together. How will the undertaker be paid, could be from $3,000.00 to $7,000.00, depending on casket, viewing, transportation and headstone. Talk with an undertaker. Many times the undertaker's bill becomes a second shock to the family. Finally, make or update your will, have notarized, three witnesses. Family status for many reasons can effect or alter your intent. There is no better time than now. If you keep putting it off you will leave a burden on those you love best. Show them you really do love them by attending to these details today. Tomorrow could be too late.

Ernest B. Glynn
Legislative Chairman

32. ENVIRONMENTAL:

As the election year campaign hits high gear, we hear a great deal about the ENVIRONMENT. The VFW in Virginia has been working on our environment to make Virginia a better place to VISIT, LIVE, WORK and RAISE OUR CHILDREN and yes to RETIRE for many years. Once again, we urge each of our 197 Posts to select a Program Director.

A talk with your local Liberian will indicate programs that are already underway or planned for your community. Further talks with local Foresters and Nurserymen and local officials will develop possible programs that could be met by the available Post resources. Resources in manpower, money, material and equipment.

Such programs might include: recycling of papers, plastics, glass, metals both ferrous and nonferrous, old appliances, furniture, chemicals, batteries, tires and engine parts. Cleanup of a school or churchyard, park, playground or cemetery, adopt a stream or highway. Ask the local fire department to hold a controlled burning of wastes. Planting a few trees and shrubs will provide shelter and shade. Ask your local Foresters and Nurserymen what species have the best survival rate for your soil and area, pines, pear or maples.

Ask other like minded groups to help in whatever way they can. Some areas have dumpsters they can park out to collect wastes. Ask your local news and TV stations to help with publicity. The main thing is for the VFW to select a Director, set the date, let others know when and where work will take place and everything else will fall in place in each community.

Ernest B. Glynn
Environmental Chairman

33. KOREAN WAR VETERANS HONORED WITH NEW MEDAL:

Pieces of History, a government certified military medals' manufacturer, in conjunction with the 50^th Anniversary Commemoration Committee at the Pentagon, has released for sale to veterans a medal to commemorate the 50^th Anniversary of the Korean War in 2000-2003.

During the Commemorative period, the nation will honor the Korean War veterans for the sacrifices they made to ensure a free and democratic South Korea.

The medal bears the Crest of the Commemoration Committee, which incorporates into its design, the three lobed Taeguk, known as the sam-taeguk. The three lobes are: (1) Red and White stripes representing the

United States, (2) Dark Blue representing South Korea and (3) The United Nations light blue with 22 gold

stars representing the 20 UN countries involved in the Korean War, plus one non UN member - Italy - and the Republic of Korean.

The wreath and lettering in gold symbolizes honor and excellence.

Each medal comes with a ribbon bar and a handsome leatherette presentation case.

For more information write: 50^th Anniversary of the Korean War, 1213 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 702, Arlington, Virginia 22202.

34. VFW MILITARY INITIATIVE PROGRAM (MIP):

During 1999-2000, the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Headquarters has established a unique program to identify and recruit eligible members from among active duty troops, Reserve and Guardsmen. VFW

leaders have, with the unanimous support of the VFW National Council of Administration, begun the Military Initiative Program (MIP). This is an outreach to provide 40,000 no cost, introductory memberships to the nation's soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen.

According to VFW Commander-in-Chief John W. Smart, "As the overall number of veterans continues to decline, the Veterans of Foreign Wars must seek every avenue in its quest for new members. Despite the fact that the number of active duty military personnel are low, the large number of deployments over the past ten years has produced a growing crop of eligibles within the active duty, Reserve and National Guard ranks."

The initial purpose of the MIP is to make military personnel aware of the VFW, their status as veterans and their eligibility to join the organization.

VFW Senior Vice Commander John Gwizdak expressed similar sentiments by saying, "The future ranks of this organization will come from those who wear America's uniforms today. I heartily endorse this initiative and intend to continue it through my year as Commander-in-Chief."

According to VFW Director of Membership Jim Rowoldt, "The VFW National Organization does not expect local Posts or Departments to participate in the recruitment of these individuals. However, their participation benefits the entire organization and will be appreciated. Credit (for the purpose of contests only) for all members acquired through the military initiative will go to the Department where the applicant

identifies his or her home of record. Home of record is determined by what the applicant places on the application but is anticipated to be the applicant's stateside address occupied by his or her immediate family."

In addition to the Military Initiative Program, the VFW recently began fact-finding efforts in preparation for another effort aimed at those in uniform. The Military Assistance Program (MAP) under newly-

appointed Director Dan Shea, is gathering information to determine what kind of assistance the VFW can provide to improve the quality of life for those in uniform and their families.

Steve Van Buskirk, Director
VFW Communications & Public Affairs

35. RETROACTIVE COMBAT ACTION RIBBON ELIGIBILITY:

Enclosed is a release concerning the Combat Action Ribbon eligibility for Naval Veterans from 1941 to 1961.

36. DISTINGUISHED BANQUETS TICKETS:

NATIONAL CONVENTION

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

AUGUST 19-25, 2000

________ 101^ST DISTINGUISHED BANQUET TICKETS @ $50.00 EACH $____________

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $____________

______________________________________________________

Name

______________________________________________________

Address

______________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code

Make Checks Payable to:Department of Virginia, VFW

P O Box 2067

Staunton, VA 24402

DEADLINE TO STATE HEADQUARTERS IS JULY 19, 2000